Communities around the world and in North Platte respond to Kirk's death.
The death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has sparked a wave of vigils and rallies stretching from capitals around the world to small towns across the United States. The gatherings, marked by grief, political symbolism, and at times tension, reflect the scale of Kirk’s influence and the intensity of debate over free speech and political violence.
In London, hundreds gathered Friday night in Whitehall for a candlelight vigil organized by Turning Point UK, the British branch of Kirk’s organization. Supporters lit candles and waved American and British flags, calling his killing an attack on free expression. “It shouldn’t be that we live in a world where, just for having an opinion, you should be killed,” one participant told Reuters.
The following day, Kirk’s death was invoked at the much larger “Unite the Kingdom” rally led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Police estimated more than 100,000 people marched through Westminster, one of the city’s largest political demonstrations in years. While the march focused broadly on immigration and free speech, many in the crowd carried placards with Kirk’s name or American flags in his memory.
Elsewhere, similar scenes unfolded. In Sydney, Australia, supporters held a candlelight vigil, speaking of keeping his message alive. In Berlin, about 150 people gathered outside the U.S. embassy, some clashing verbally with counter-protesters. In Madrid, mourners placed flowers and candles outside the embassy in a quieter tribute.
Across the U.S., vigils have ranged from major universities to small town squares. At Texas A&M University, students gathered at Rudder Plaza, singing and sharing memories. In central Florida, dozens turned out in towns like Ormond Beach and Clermont, many holding handmade signs that read “Free Speech Matters.”
The sports world joined the outpouring of response. Several NFL teams — including the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, and Tennessee Titans — held moments of silence before kickoff, with players and fans pausing together in remembrance. In stadiums across the country, scoreboards displayed Kirk’s name and image, underscoring his national profile beyond politics.
MLB teams such as the Yankees and Cubs also observed tributes, including reserving seats in Kirk’s honor. For the Cubs, the gesture carried added weight — Kirk was a lifelong fan of the team, and supporters said the tribute reflected a personal connection as well as a public one.
Kirk's hometown team held a moment of remembrance and call to reflection before their game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Wrigley Field. The team has gone as far as to announce the Charlie Kirk Scholarship Fund for higher education.
North Platte has joined those cities in remembering Kirk in multiple ways. On Friday morning, Brian Harris stood on the corner of D and Dewey streets waving American flags and holding signs in Kirk’s memory.
“I just felt compelled to do something for the people,” Harris said. “I know some people are afraid to actually put their face in public, and I just felt the need that I had to do this.”
Harris said Kirk’s death left him “shock, devastated, angry, sad.” For him, Kirk was more than a political figure — he was a husband, father, and advocate for free speech.
“He was the biggest advocate for our young folks,” Harris said. “Our kids are being indoctrinated into this brainwashing at the colleges and being educated in a way that is not good with God or good with people.”
Harris said he has followed Kirk since he launched Turning Point at age 18. He recalled former President Donald Trump’s praise of Kirk and said even those who disagreed with him respected his humanity.
“Even had someone that didn’t like what Charlie Kirk said, but he still understood that he was a man, he is a person, and he was sorry that he got killed,” Harris said.
As drivers passed, several honked their horns in support. Harris said he hopes the display reminds people that the issue goes beyond politics. “This is a human issue where we should all believe that no life should be taken,” he said.
Later that evening, April Claussen organized a candlelight vigil that drew locals who wanted to grieve and reflect together. She said his death struck her “numb to the core.”
“Charlie believed in God first and foremost,” Claussen said. “I’m a Christian, but he brought light to so many scriptures that I had read but never actually understood. I hope that this spreads love and faith and hope for our community. One voice to stand tall and carry on where Charlie last stood.”
Claussen said Kirk’s influence reached her family in a personal way. “My son was lost, didn’t know which side to be on. But after showing him Charlie’s videos he has accepted God and wants to stand up for what he believes in.”
Another North Platte resident, Destini-Rayne Hoffman, is planning a rally for Tuesday, Sept. 16th, in Kirk’s honor. She said she hopes the event sends a message of solidarity to his family while also sparking conversation in the community.
“Charlie was an inspiration to so many people and we lost a pioneer, but they lost a son, husband, friend and father — and that is earth-shattering,” Hoffman said. “We will also not let Charlie’s message get lost to time. His voice will not be silenced.”
For Hoffman, the rally is as much about protecting free speech as it is about mourning. “Everyone’s voice is worth being heard, and we all deserve to have an influence in this world,” she said. “When we stop talking and change to violence, that’s when we lose humanity. We should all have the right to freedom of speech without fear of repercussions.”
Both Claussen and Hoffman said they hope the gatherings bring peace, not division. “Charlie didn’t like violence. He wanted unity,” Claussen said.
Hoffman echoed the sentiment: “Even though we disagree, we all are human and we should not aim to hurt each other in the process.”
Though, not everyone in North Platte has shared the same grief. McKenzie Fernandez, a North Platte business owner and community organizer, faced swift fallout after posting comments on social media expressing satisfaction over Kirk’s death. Fernandez, who owns Mackenzie’s Snack Shack in the Canteen District, saw dozens of negative reviews posted online within hours, dropping her Google rating from 4.9 to 2.7. She has since removed her social media accounts.
Others have also felt the repercussions. Viva North Platte, a cultural event Fernandez was involved with through Las Mañanitas Community Advocates, lost access to a grant application after the West Central Nebraska Development District withdrew its support, citing her comments.
In a letter addressed to Fernandez-Dobbins, Executive Director Edward Dunn wrote:
“This decision has been made following the deeply inappropriate social media post made by Mackenzie Fernandez celebrating the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk… Such public statements celebrating violence and loss of life are unacceptable and create an untenable situation for our continued partnership.”
Fernandez offered a public apology through The North Platte Bulletin:
The episode underscores the division and heightened emotions in North Platte — a community grappling with grief and remembrance, and also with how to handle dissenting voices in the wake of Kirk’s death.
The variety of responses — from solemn candlelight vigils to massive rallies drawing more than 100,000 people — underscores how Kirk’s death has become both a personal tragedy to supporters and a flashpoint in global politics.
The events in North Platte mirror a wider trend, as people across the globe respond to Kirk’s death. From vigils to rallies to debates, the displays highlight both the grief expressed by many and the differing perspectives that continue to surround his legacy